RUMFORD — Improving the business climate, the economy and education in Maine are goals newly elected legislators say they are focusing on.

District 18 Sen. John Patrick, D-Rumford; District 115 Rep. Matthew Peterson, D-Rumford; District 116 Rep. Richard A Pickett, R-Dixfield; and District 117 Rep. Frances Head, R-Bethel; will be sworn in next month.

Asked what they hope to accomplish when the 127th Maine Legislature convenes on Dec. 3 in Augusta, the Senate and House members signaled their concerns for Mainers.

Patrick said he hopes to continue work to grow businesses and improve the state’s workforce.

“I’m hoping we can continue on working toward making the business climate better in the state of Maine,” he said. “And through the education process, make more Maine citizens ready for the 21st century.”

He said the Legislature needs to “educate our citizens for jobs that are available and make it so that our workforce fits the needs of businesses that are able and ready to come to Maine.”

Patrick said he also wants “to continue being the voice of working men and women.”

Peterson said via Facebook that he is looking forward to a productive season.

“My hopes and dreams for the 127th Legislature are that we focus on policy initiatives that make Maine a more fertile state to build and grow businesses,” he said.

“Work drives our economy, and in order to really reform our social system, we need to provide people with the opportunity to be successfully employed and achieve financial freedom,” he said.

Peterson said that for the next several weeks, he will continue speaking and meeting with the district’s municipal officers, business owners, school administrators and other community members “to explore policy initiatives to improve the local economy and strengthen our education system.

“The legislative process can be complex and tedious at times, but I believe in the system and the creativity that can result from people having a healthy debate and finding strong compromise,” he said.

“People want government that works,” he said. “I’m ready to communicate and engage with legislative colleagues from across the political spectrum to brainstorm, build consensus and craft meaningful, common-sense policy initiatives that push Maine forward.

“I respect the experiences and expertise of the citizens of the district and my legislative colleagues alike, and I’m energized to sponsor and drill down on legislation that transcends party ideology and makes sense for all Maine people,” Peterson said.

Pickett said he will go to the State House to “do the will of the people I represent, and I will work with all parties and pass legislation to give relief to the hardworking Maine taxpayers.”

He said he also wants to work with legislators “and do what’s right for the people. I will be a working partner of a legislative body who keeps in mind who we serve and will do my very best to deal with bills to provide the best service to the people,” Pickett said. “I’m a brand new legislator, and I just want to roll my sleeves up and get to work and get some stuff done.” 

Head said that while she doesn’t yet know which committee she will serve on, she hopes to serve the public “to the very best of my ability.”

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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